University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

Sec. 213. Chief of police—his duties.

The Chief of Police is the chief executive of the police department
but he shall always be subject to the orders and regulations
of the Mayor and Council. He shall be under the control of the
Mayor and Council for the purpose of enforcing peace and order,
and executing the laws of the State and ordinances of the
City and it shall be the duty of the police force to respect and
obey orders of the Chief not in conflict with these rules and regulations.
It shall be his duty at all times, day or night, to preserve
the public peace; prevent the commission of crimes, and
arrest offenders; to protect the rights of persons and of property;
to regard the public health; to report nuisances in the
streets, alleys and other places; to provide proper police force at
fires; to protect the firemen and property threat; to discharge
such other duties as may be required of him by the Council.
When charges are filed in his office against any member of the
police force, or when he shall be informed of any gross neglect
of duty, he shall immediately transmit the same to the Mayor,
together with the names of the witnesses to be subpoenaed, that
the charges may be investigated by Council.

He shall be responsible for the good order of the City, and for
the general good conduct of the men and officers of the police
force. It is enjoined on him to pay frequent visits at uncertain
hours, to various portions of the City, and thus be able to supervise
the conduct of all subordinates.

He shall cause to be served all processes directed to him by a


85

Page 85
Justice of Peace and the Civil and Police Justice of the City, and
orders of the Mayor.